The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says tests have shown that this particular brand of CO detector failed to provide an alert when exposed to pre-determined concentrations of carbon monoxide at 400 ppm. That violates federal safety standards.
If a consumer installs a CO detector that does not alert to the presence of carbon monoxide, and carbon monoxide enters the home, the consumer will not be warned of the presence of this harmful gas, making injury or death very likely.
More than 150 people in the United States die every year from accidental, non-fire-related CO poisoning associated with consumer products.
CO can be produced from many sources, from a fireplace to a space heater. CO detectors emit a loud alarm – much like a smoke detector – when it detects dangerous CO levels.
As yet, no recall
So far, there is no recall of the product.
The HECOPRO CO detectors are made of white plastic and measure approximately of 4.1 x 1.8 x 4.1 inches. The devices feature a digital display on the front.
The CO detectors in question were sold on Amazon.com under ASIN B07T66J7KJ for between $9 and $13.
The CPSC warns consumers they should not purchase these devices or sell them secondhand. Consumers should replace the detectors and dispose of the defective ones.
The agency recommends that consumers install working CO detectors on each level of their homes and outside separate sleeping areas. CO alarms should be battery operated or have battery backup. Consumers should also test CO alarms frequently and make sure batteries are working.